It was about a year and a half ago that I started hearing a lot of buzz about barefoot running. A lot of people that adhere to a paleo lifestyle were praising them because of the supposed “natural” running they allowed for– I just thought they made you look funny.
I tried them on, though, and realized there was something to them. The first pair I tried on was the original style of “Fila Skeletoes.” I was amazed by how comfortable they felt; While that’s completely subjective, I found most people were put off by their appearance at first, but then loved them when they tried them on. Now, the original style really only has one practical use as far as I’m concerned, and that’s for weight lifting. Next, I tried on a pair of the running variety, and I definitely fell in love with these– It also helped that I was in need of a new pair of running shoes.
So, what are the benefits people always claim? First, is that it’s more “natural.” I put “natural” in quotes because at this point in human evolutionary history, I’m sure running in shoes is more natural. The next reason I’ll hear is that they’re a better workout for you because the movement engages more muscles. This has been addressed in numerous essays that try and either prove, or debunk it. There is no real definitive explanation, but there is an argument for both sides:
One camp says that the barefoot running shoes provide a better workout because it engages more muscles throughout your lower body to keep you stable and running with less support and a “natural” gait. The other side says that running shoes, specifically the non ultra lightweight running shoes provide a better workout (metabolically speaking), because of the added weight and the additional force needed to keep your pace up with a heavier shoe. Either way, honestly, it didn’t matter to me. I bought them for 2 reasons: They look kind of wacky, and I’m often drawn to things of this nature; And they’re really, really comfortable.
Okay, so what is it like to run in them? When I first started reading about the barefoot running phenomenon, I heard a lot of people say it takes some getting used to. In the essays that would describe the benefits and / or drawbacks of barefoot running shoes, they always mentioned a sort of break in period where your body adapts to running in a “natural” movement. My first few times running with my Skeletoes was doing HIIT on a treadmill, and I didn’t notice much of a difference. It took a few minutes to get used to the feeling of running in them, but in terms of having to adjust my gait or being additionally sore, I didn’t experience any of that.
Then came time to do sprints and extended period running outside. This is where it made an insane difference, but again, not in actually running. . . It was later that day, and the next day where I noticed why people mention the enhanced muscle engagement. Normally after running, my legs will be decently sore– The usual “DOMS” (Delay Onset Muscle Soreness) that occurs the next day and keeps my calves tight, and sometimes makes my quads and hamstrings sore. Not this time. . . The tops of my feet hurt in a way I had never felt; My ankles throbbed with every step I took. My shins were sort, my calves were tight and my glutes wanted to give up. On top of all of that, my quads and hamstrings were a bit sore. . . But, while running, my feet were very comfortable.
So, they were right. . . There is a bit of a break in period, and eventually, my feet will revert to running in these without any unusual soreness. In the end, I love my new running shoes, but they’re not for everyone. Start off by trying them on at a shoe store, and if you really love them, I definitely recommend them– You’re not limited to Fila Skeletoes, either. There are a lot of options out there, the most popular being Vibram “Five Fingers.”